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Security Guard
Total cost: $119.95-$259.95
Governing Authority
New Mexico Regulation and Licensing Department - Private Investigations Advisory Board (section branded as 'Private Investigations' on site, covering both PI and Security Guard under the Advisory Board)
Official website →Yes
License Required?
8 hrs
Unarmed Training
12 hrs
Armed Training
$119.95-$259.95
Total Initial Fees
2 years
Renewal Period
18+
Min Age (Unarmed)
Application Fee
$15
Fingerprint / Background Check Fee
$29.95
Training Fee
$75-$200
Varies by training provider
Unarmed License Fee
$15
Armed License Fee
$15
Renewal Fee
$15
State Regulation
VerifiedRequired
License Requirement
state
Regulation Level
Regulation Notes
New Mexico requires registration for security guards through the Private Investigations Advisory Board with three levels based on duties and armament.
Training Hours
Additional Requirements
Training Hours
Additional Requirements
Training Hours
Additional Requirements
8 hrs
Hours Required
Training Topics
Provider Requirements
Department-approved training completed within 12 months prior to application
Armed training available
12 hrs
Firearms Training Hours
Qualification Requirements
Must demonstrate proficiency with duty firearm for Level 3
Authorized Firearm Types
Requalification Frequency
Annual firearms requalification required
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Guard Card / Licensing Exam
VerifiedRequired
Guard Card
Security Guard Registration (Level 1/2/3)
Card Name
Processing Time
4-6 weeks
Valid Period
2 years
Overall licensing difficulty: 1/100
Study recommendation: 1–2 weeks of focused review is usually sufficient
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Security Guard Exam Prep
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Difficulty rating based on education, exam, and experience requirements. Individual experience may vary.
18+
Unarmed Min Age
21+
Armed Min Age
Yes
Required
Yes
Fingerprinting
Yes
Federal Check
Yes
State Check
Disqualifying Offenses
Drug screening not required by state
Yes
Company License
Yes
Insurance Required
Yes
Bonding Required
Employer Training Obligations
Not sure if you need a security guard license? Check whether your state requires one.
| Fee | Amount |
|---|---|
Application Fee | $15 |
Fingerprint Fee | $29.95 |
Training Fee Varies by training provider | $75-$200 |
Unarmed License Fee | $15 |
Armed License Fee | $15 |
Renewal Fee | $15 |
Total Initial Fees Total varies based on training provider selected | $119.95-$259.95 |
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Renewal & CE Requirements
Verified2 years
Renewal Period
4 hrs
CE Hours Required
Refresher Training
Refresher training required
Firearms Requalification
Annual firearms requalification for Level 3
Renewal Fee
$15
Security guard licenses must be renewed on schedule. Most states require refresher training covering updated laws, use-of-force guidelines, and emergency procedures.
Out-of-State Reciprocity
VerifiedDoes Not Accept Out-of-State Credentials
Transfer Details
New Mexico does not offer reciprocity for out-of-state security guard licenses.
Security guard license reciprocity varies significantly by state. Most states require new applicants to complete state-specific training and background checks regardless of prior credentials.
Moving to another state? Use our Transfer Tool to see what you need →
Compare New Mexico with other states →
See how requirements, costs, and timelines differ across all 50 states.
New Mexico's 3-level system is unique: Level 1 (unarmed), Level 2 (armed with non-firearm weapons like batons), Level 3 (armed with firearms). The $15 application fee is among the lowest in the nation.
New Mexico uses a unique 3-level system based on duties and armament.
Level 1 (unarmed) must work under supervision of a licensed operator or Level 3 guard.
Level 2 is for guards armed with non-firearm weapons.
Level 3 is for guards armed with firearms.
Application fees are among the lowest in the nation at $15.
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Security Guard requirements in New Mexico verified against New Mexico Regulation and Licensing Department - Private Investigations Advisory Board (section branded as 'Private Investigations' on site, covering both PI and Security Guard under the Advisory Board), March 2026.